“I now think that the structures of formal education need to be challenged and learning needs to move from being highly competitive to collaborative and community driven”

AQEEL CAMAL

“I moved to Australia when I was nine years old and I had very traditional ideas of success – going to university, getting a job and climbing the ranks.

But I’ve always asked a lot of questions and refused to take things at face value. So as I moved through school and began to question things, my outlook shifted.

I now think that the structures of formal education need to be challenged and learning needs to move from being highly competitive to collaborative and community driven. I think we need to consciously create more opportunities for young people to build emotional intelligence, learn how to learn and develop self awareness

Research conducted by the World Economic Forum shows that 67% of young people want to have an impact beyond themselves and their immediate family. There is a real opportunity to connect the curiosity and passion of young people with industry to drive true change.

I’d like to see the next wave of education valuing what it is that makes us human. I’d like younger generations to cultivate greater empathy and the courage to break free of the norm.

I’d like Australia to achieve progress through diversity. There are alot of platforms for people to have their voices heard, but until we genuinely place power in the hands of those who are marginalised, our country won’t be as ambitious as it can be.

And this is why we need more spaces like s p a c e. that are about genuine connection and conversation. It’s so important to break out of the routine, and have genuine connection and conversation with people who want to future proof our country.”

Check out the rest of the s p a c e guest list or connect with Aqeel on LinkedIn

*Interview and write-up- s p a c e storyteller, Sian Gooden